Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling

How much does it cost to run your fridge? Take a look at the amount it’s adding to your energy bill (see how much).

When it’s time to get rid of your old fridge or freezer, Energy Trust of Oregon can help. Make an even bigger difference when you recycle by donating your incentive to Oregon Food Bank to help provide up to 120 meals to families in need.

We’ll handle all the heavy lifting with free in-home pickup, recycle your fridge responsibly, and you’ll get a cash incentive of $20 or $40, based on the age of the unit.

Refrigerators built before 1993 can use three times more energy than new high-efficiency models. By getting rid of a second fridge in your garage or basement, you can save up to $150 annually. Fridge and freezer recycling is also good for the environment, as 95 percent of the components are reused.

You must be an Oregon customer of Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. Your refrigerator or freezer must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet and working condition (it must turn on but does not have to cool). Recycling service is provided by ARCA.

Refrigerators and freezers manufactured in 1993 or after are eligible for a $20 incentive.

Refrigerators and freezers manufactured prior to 1993 are eligible for a $40 incentive.

If your unit is not in working condition, you can contact your local garbage hauler or call Metro’s recycling information hotline at 503.234.3000. You can also visit www.oregonmetro.gov and click on “garbage and recycling” in the left-hand menu to use their “Find a Recycler” service.

Get $20 or $40 cash back when you recycle your old fridge or freezer. The amount is based on the age of your unit. Refrigerators and freezers manufactured prior to 1993 are eligible for a $40 incentive; all units manufactured after 1993 are eligible for a $20 incentive.

Not sure how old your unit is? Most refrigerators and freezers have a manufacturer’s sticker on the inside, at the bottom ledge by the door. The date is often located on this sticker as part of the serial number or “MFG” date.

If you have the model and serial number, you can also visit www.Appliance411.com and follow the steps below to help determine the age of your unit.

Click ‘Home Service’ link in the left hand menu.

Click ‘Appliance Age’ in the left margin.

Scroll down to “Enter Product Details” at the bottom of the page and enter the requested information for your fridge or freezer. You will need to know the brand, model and serial number of your fridge or freezer.

If you are unsure of how to locate the manufacturer’s sticker, click on “Model and Serial Number Tag’ in the third paragraph. You will need to know the brand of your fridge or freezer.

Please note this process may only be used to locate information on modern appliances made after the 1970s or 1980s. This service will NOT date models built in the 1950s or 1960s.

Please note that your incentive amount will be confirmed once the fridge or freezer age is verified at the recycling warehouse after pickup.